Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Good morning, Decatur.
🏘️ Community
On September 15, 2025, Ben Andreas and Kevin Breheny met with Byers & Co to discuss the Andreas Foundation’s long commitment to feeding the community through the WSOY Community Food Drive — the podcast explained the foundation’s history of local giving.
🚧 Accidents
A house fire early Saturday morning at 215 Bay Shore Drive in Decatur displaced a family of six as firefighters arrived at 4:02 a.m. and controlled heavy flames in the garage— the family and their dog evacuated safely while two cats died and the cause is under investigation.
🎭 Culture
On September 15, Eric Hector from Heroic Age Studios joined Byers & Co to discuss the world premiere of the film Trick and Treats in a podcast interview.
Yesterday, Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to talk about her family, DCLI and her recent trips.
🎓 Education
Today, Tallgrass Tech is donating $75,000 to the Richland Community College Foundation to start a scholarship program for Engineering Technology students—funding awards over the next five years.
The program supports students in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical Systems who meet college eligibility requirements.
South Macon Public Library will host a free University of Illinois Extension workshop on Oct.
1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 451 W. Glenn St where participants will learn safe methods to preserve garden and market produce into jams, pickles, fruit leather, and more—registration is available by calling the library before Sept. 29.
Millikin University in Decatur is accepting applications for two hybrid MBA programs designed for working professionals and early-career students.
The Evening MBA is a seventeen month course starting in January with a December 1 deadline and the Accelerated MBA is a twelve month course starting in June with a May 1 deadline—both programs offer five specializations and combine in-person with online classes and international travel.
🏛️ Government
Sen. Duckworth toured UI’s iFAB Tech Lab on Friday after a roundtable that stressed keeping U.S. biotech production on American soil—she noted that local stops in Decatur at ADM and Primient and partnerships with Champaign-Urbana will boost domestic innovation and jobs.
Macon County Emergency Management, with the County Fire Protection Districts and Board, banned all open burning on September 15 due to prolonged dry conditions that increased wildfire risk; the ban covers residential, yard, and agricultural burning (residents may be billed for unauthorized burns) and will remain until weather improves (officials are monitoring conditions with the National Weather Service).
On September 15th, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe spoke on a podcast with Byers & Co discussing football, community events, the passing of Jim Edgar, and city council matters on a day care project and insurance—she explained these topics to community members.
🏥 Health
Memorial Health Hospitals will offer free breast cancer screenings this October for uninsured or underinsured women 40 and older as part of their Mammogram Mondays program—appointments must be scheduled by phone to receive screening and breast health information.
🎉 Decatur Events
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Arts in Central Park
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Decatur IL Central Park — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant showcase of over 60 artists while enjoying live music and art activities for children.
2025 Hispanic Heritage Festival
2-10 p.m. — Nelson Park — Free entry — Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Hispanic community with music and festivities.
Platinum Rock Legends Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying performances from one of the greatest rock bands with stunning visuals and legendary hits.
Prairie Pedal Bicycle Ride
6:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Rock Springs Conservation Area — $35+ — Participate in a scenic bike ride while supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.
All Fired Up - A Tribute to Pat Benatar
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Decatur Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying tribute to Pat Benatar with her iconic hits and dynamic performances.
Rochester vs. Decatur Eisenhower JV Football Game
6-8 p.m. — Eisenhower High School — Free entry — Catch an exciting home game as Decatur Eisenhower takes on Rochester in junior varsity football.
Fight for the Kids 2 Charity Event
6-11 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Heliport — No refunds — An exciting charity boxing event aiming to support children's causes.
🏠 Decatur Real Estate
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💼 Decatur Job Board
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📣 Decatur Announcements
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